Hillary supporters to pour it on ahead of primary

Caption: AFT President Randi Weingarten, left center, NEA President Lily Eskelsen Garcia, second from right, and NYSUT President Karen E. Magee lead the charge for Hillary. Photo by El-Wise Noisette.

Twenty-five of America's biggest unions representing millions of working people have formally endorsed the former U.S. senator from New York and former U.S. secretary of state in her historic bid for the presidency, including the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, NYSUT's national affiliates.

NYSUT's leadership is crucial as we cruise toward the April 19 state Democratic primary.

"We can and will mobilize hundreds of volunteers in support of our affiliates' endorsed candidate," said NYSUT President Karen E. Magee. "This is what we do best!"

Executive Vice President Andy Pallotta, who leads NYSUT's legislative and political efforts, says a union endorsement means more than money, more than air time, more than advertising: "Our 'feet on the street' will deliver New York!"

AFT President Randi Weingarten said members have turned out again and again for Clinton "because she's stood and fought alongside our kids, families, patients and communities for decades. And now, she is trying to earn every single vote."

NEA President Lily Eskelsen García said Clinton's message of "breaking down barriers that block Americans from reaching their full potential is resonating, particularly with educators who have committed their lives to doing just that for students."

NYSUT's political operation involves regional volunteer campaigns in the run up to the New York State primary. Plans call for phone banking, mailings and digital outreach during the week.

The official Clinton campaign in New York also plans canvassing and phone banking leading up to the primary. The campaign will operate out of regional staging areas in Rochester, Buffalo, Albany, Syracuse, the North Country, the Hudson Valley, Nassau, Suffolk, two sites in Westchester, and 11 sites in New York City. In addition to the midweek work, NYSUT volunteers will be asked to go to Clinton campaign events on those weekends.

Get out the vote

If you would like to volunteer, contact your local president or political action coordinator.